Schooling named ST Athlete of the Year for a second time

Schooling named ST Athlete of the Year for a second time

Joseph Schooling has been named 2016's The Straits Times Athlete of the Year making him the first athlete to win the award twice. Schooling edged out fellow nominees Peter Gilchrist, New Hui Fen, Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau'ddin and Yip Pin Xiu.

Joseph Schooling (on projection screen) joined yesterday's ceremony via a live Skype feed. Celebrating his win on stage yesterday were (from left) general manager of F&N Foods Singapore Jennifer See; Straits Times sports editor Lee Yulin; Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu; and Schooling's parents Colin and May, who received the trophy on his behalf.ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN

Singapore swimmer Joseph Schooling continued his habit of creating history yesterday when he became the first person to win The Straits Times Athlete of the Year award twice.

The 21-year-old, the 2014 winner, is also the first to win with a unanimous vote. This year's other nominees included Yip Pin Xiu (swimming), Peter Gilchrist (billiards), New Hui Fen (bowling) and Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau'ddin (silat).

The University of Texas student, who joined the ceremony at One Farrer Hotel and Spa via a live Skype feed, said: "I am very fortunate to win this award. I couldn't have done it without my parents, close friends and support group. Thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin."

The swimmer's parents Colin and May received the trophy on his behalf from Ms Grace Fu, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, at a ceremony attended by some 150 guests.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 17, 2017, with the headline 'Schooling named ST Athlete of the Year for a second time'. Print Edition | Subscribe